Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. We conduct research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network.
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Every patient — from coping to hoping. Every donor or volunteer — from altruism to inspiration. These stories inspire our work and compel mission advocates to give financially, join the registry, volunteer or spread the word.
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A marrow transplant may be someone’s only hope for a cure. Learn how marrow donation works, the steps of a patient transplant, steps of donation, and factors that can impact the likelihood of finding a match.
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Be The Match® is dedicated to helping you and your family get the support and information you need to make decisions about your healthcare. Blood cancer patients are at the very heart of our mission.
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Talking with your doctor

If you have been diagnosed with a disease that may be best treated with a bone marrow or cord blood transplant, it is important to talk openly with your doctor about your treatment options. Playing an active role in your treatment decisions can help you and your doctor make the best choices about your health.

Your doctor will explain the treatment options best for you. You should ask your doctor questions so you understand your doctor's recommendations and your treatment plan. It is also very important to let your doctor know your concerns and what you want from your treatment.

Be prepared

For many diseases, the initial treatment is not a transplant. However, in some cases, certain features of a disease may show that transplant is an important option down the road to best treat the disease. In other cases, only if the disease returns after initial treatment does transplant become a treatment option.

If transplant becomes a possibility, it is best to understand all your treatment options and plan ahead. It takes time to arrange a transplant, so it’s a good idea for your doctor to start the process early. If transplant is being considered as a treatment option, ask for a referral to a transplant doctor for consultation.

Your transplant appointment

Before your first transplant evaluation, gather as much information as you are comfortable with. But remember that every person is different. Discussing where the information came from and asking the doctor's view of it helps provide context.

If you have a lot to talk about, it’s best to make a list of questions and prioritize which questions are most important to discuss at the initial meeting. You may need to meet with your doctor again to discuss all of your questions. You may also want to bring along a family member or friend to take notes and help you remember what was said.

Some questions to ask your doctor include:

How do you use outcomes data to make a decision about whether I should get a transplant? What numbers do you look at to make the decision?

Do I have health risk factors that might impact my outcome?

How will my age or health condition influence my risk?

How does my situation compare to other patients?

What are my chances of living disease-free if I get a transplant? If I don’t? Or if I wait?

What can you tell me about my quality of life if I get a transplant? If I don’t?

How might my quality of life change over time?

Asking for another opinion

It’s not unusual for patients to ask for a second—or even third—medical opinion. It is best that you and your doctor have a good relationship and that you feel comfortable that the doctor you choose is the best person to treat your disease. You have the right to get the opinions of other doctors. You also have the right to refuse any treatment. If you refuse a suggested treatment be sure you understand what the risks are if you delay or decline. Contact your insurance company to see if second opinions are covered or, if you decide you want to change doctors, to let them know you want to change doctors or hospitals.

Educational resources

Be The Match® has many free resources to help you learn about your disease and treatment options.